The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing an escalating crisis as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken control of Goma’s airport. The ongoing clashes have resulted in over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries, with hospitals in the city struggling to manage the influx of wounded individuals. While the extent of M23’s control over the city remains uncertain, reports indicate that Congolese forces have largely withdrawn, and over 1,200 soldiers have surrendered at the United Nations (UN) base.
In response to the crisis, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are scheduled to meet at an emergency East African Community summit in Kenya. The conflict has intensified regional tensions, rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with both countries accusing each other of destabilizing the region. The situation has also led to widespread displacement, with the UN warning of worsening humanitarian conditions, including food shortages, looted aid supplies, and the risk of disease outbreaks.
As the conflict rages in the east, protests have erupted in the DRC capital, Kinshasa. Demonstrators, frustrated by the lack of international intervention, attacked several embassies, including those of France, Belgium, the United States, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. The US embassy has advised its citizens to leave the country, while the European Union condemned the attacks as “unacceptable.” Protesters also targeted the Rwandan embassy, further highlighting the deep-seated animosity between the two nations.
At a UN Security Council meeting, concerns were raised about the potential for ethnic violence similar to that seen during the Rwandan genocide. A UN report previously stated that Rwanda had significant influence over M23, with up to 4,000 Rwandan troops involved in combat. Despite calls for an immediate ceasefire, diplomatic efforts, including an Angola-mediated peace process, have so far failed.
The African Union has urged M23 to disarm, while the US and China have pressured Rwanda to halt its support for the rebels. With past ceasefires failing and fighting continuing, the situation remains dire, posing serious risks to regional stability and worsening the humanitarian crisis.
